Breast Cancer Gene Test?

I would get a second opinion from another doctor. That's ridiculous that she wouldn't do the test with your family history.

Best of luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Check with your insurance because I do know some will consider it a pre existing condition if you test positive for the gene and then deny you coverage. I'm not sure if the new healthcare reform will prevent insurance companies from being able to do this or not. My ob told me since my mom was diagnosed w/ breast cancer she should be tested instead of me
edited: So many people are telling you to switch doctors I think you should speak with your doctor and also your insurance company. Your doctor may not want you to risk being denied coverage because it will be considered a pre existing condition (again I don't know how the health care reform will change this) and because your mom has the gene and one of your aunts does too your doctor probably assumes there is a high chance you have it so why risk you losing insurance or not being eligible to switch insurance in the future.

Right - I would switch doctors. Based on your family history, she has no right to deny you a genetic test that you are requesting, especially since it is covered by your insurance. People have different philosophies about whether they would want to know this type of information ahead of time... maybe she is one of the people who would not want to know. But a good physician would not impose those sorts of opinions on her patients. Switch to a doctor who respects you and your right to have information and to be proactive and understand your own health!!!

I'm so glad to see that so many others have given the same response I was thinking: find another doctor. You have way too much family history not to be tested. Stick to your guns, and find someone who will test you. And good luck to you! I wish you nothing but the best!

You know I have had more probloms with Dr's in the last six years. But i was extrodanarily peeved when one almost killed my husband because he put no effort into finding out what was wrong with him, he was having severe migrains and convulsions on one side and the Dr. said it was an ear infection.. six emergencey room visits later and a neriologist and he was diagnosed with severe facial neraligia. We have had to test the waters in our entire county to finally find the Dr. we have. and he's great. So long story short if i where you i would, do some serious looking around ask friends and family who they go to and find a good Dr. If they are good and have a heart they will do everything they can to help you.. i firmly belive the doc you have now, nows she going to make more money if something does end up happining..so why prevent it... there all that way any more... so please find a good doctor!!!

I would go to another doctor. My friend got breast cancer (family history of breast and ovarian cancer) and she had the gene. She and her sister didn't know if they were identical twins or not. She was tested, had the gene, and they found out that they were identical. Both sisters had double mastectomies and hysterectomies, and my friend was treated for cancer. Her sister has not developed it. They were about 33 at the time.

If you are considering something like this to try to prevent it, then definitely get the test. If not, I'm not sure what knowing will provide for you, and I would get a doctor that respects your history and is willing to be totally thorough in your exams.

Change doctors and go to a cancer specialist for the test.

Argh...don't get me started about doctors in this country. I had to go to France to get a mammogram... called, got an appointment the next day, results the day after.. cost me $100 including the doctors time!

Don't give up. Go find another doctor that cares.

I would definitely get a new doctor too. There is no reason she shouldn't honor your request, especially when you have such a strong family history of breast cancer. Your doctor is suppose to work with, not against your requests as she is providing a service to you.

Definately get a new doc and insist on the test. I'm assuming you're talking about the BRCA gene? It is imperative that you know whether or not you carry the gene. If you do, you'll likely be under the care of an oncologist preventatively and would get MRIs rather than simple mammograms yearly.

My sister had breast cancer. I asked my doc about it and she told me it would be better to have my sister tested to see if she carried the gene so that my insurance would not be effected. The insurance can get you for pre-existing condition. My chances of having the gene are 50-75% if she tested with it. My sis refused telling me that since she had cancer, she has the gene. Not informed very well. Since your mom tested for it, there is a good chance you will also test since it is a gene test. I just try to be more diligent with checking every month and soon will start the mammograms.

I think I would just ask my doctor straight out if you have a good relationship & want to keep her as your primary. "I would ask her "what is the exact reason you do not feel it is important for me to get tested." I would actually even set up an appointment just for this conversation. Call the office and when talking to the receptionist tell her you need a consult appointment to "discuss a malinformative gene defect" and the results.... She will be so confused she will just set it up for a consult. LOL.... Then ask your doctor. Maybe she is actually thinking if you test positive, that it will later deny you coverage or the inability to change insurance due to the preexisiting condition clause. (I do not know how the Health Care Reform will change this). If she can not give you a reason; then find a new doctor. Sounds like you need to get it done before December 31st though. Also ask her if you can get your basline mammogram right now. That she for sure should not deny. You should have this done anyway with your family history regardless of the CA4 test. Good luck!

Updated

I think I would just ask my doctor straight out if you have a good relationship & want to keep her as your primary. "I would ask her "what is the exact reason you do not feel it is important for me to get tested." I would actually even set up an appointment just for this conversation. Call the office and when talking to the receptionist tell her you need a consult appointment to "discuss a malinformative gene defect" and the results.... She will be so confused she will just set it up for a consult. LOL.... Then ask your doctor. Maybe she is actually thinking if you test positive, that it will later deny you coverage or the inability to change insurance due to the preexisiting condition clause. (I do not know how the Health Care Reform will change this). If she can not give you a reason; then find a new doctor. Sounds like you need to get it done before December 31st though. Also ask her if you can get your basline mammogram right now. That she for sure should not deny. You should have this done anyway with your family history regardless of the CA4 test. Good luck!

GET A NEW DOCTOR! Call around and ask the speak to the doctor's nurse. Ask the nurse if the doctor will do the test if you have a strong family history. Keep asking until you find a doctor who will do it. And then complain to the clinic manager about the previous doctor. That is crazy and almost malpractice. Seriously, get a new doctor.

Good luck!

I'd see a different doctor. This one sounds downright irresponsible. I can't imagine why she would turn you down for something like this. Did she give you a good reason? You are the best advocate for your health, and you've got to look out for yourself.